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How can roundabouts improve intersection safety?

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Roundabouts are circular intersections that allow traffic to flow continuously without stopping at signals or signs. They are becoming more popular in many countries as a way to improve intersection safety, reduce congestion, and enhance the environment. But how do roundabouts work and what are their benefits? In this article, you will learn about the basic design and operation of roundabouts, the advantages they offer for different road users, and the challenges and best practices for implementing them.

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Hazem Nowwara MBA, PMP?, CSM?, SA?,PE

Transportation Chief specialist @ Roads and Transport Authority | MBA in Project Management
Sai Sesidhar
Ognjen Todorovi?

head of department of urban mobility at City of Belgrade - Secretariat of Transport

1 Design and operation

A roundabout consists of a central island, a circular roadway around it, and one or more entry and exit points. The main rule of a roundabout is that traffic entering the circle must yield to traffic already in the circle. This means that drivers do not have to wait for a green light or a gap in traffic to enter the intersection. They only have to slow down and look for a safe opportunity to merge with the circulating flow. Once in the circle, drivers can choose their exit and leave the roundabout without stopping. Pedestrians and cyclists can cross the roundabout at designated crossings, usually located before or after the entry and exit points.

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Dan Arnold

CEO at Eagle Eye Labs, Inc.
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Many drivers create a hazard by ignoring posted Yield signs and fail to yield Right-of-Way to traffic already in the circle. Automatic License Plate Recognition, ALPR, is already a proven technology utilized to detect speed and toll violations. Adding ALPR to traffic circles can identify drivers that ignore Right-of-Way. Issuing violations will result in a significant increase in Traffic Circle safety.

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2 Safety benefits

Roundabouts can improve intersection safety by reducing the number and severity of crashes. This is because roundabouts eliminate the most dangerous types of crashes, such as right-angle, left-turn, and head-on collisions, which often result from drivers running red lights or failing to yield. Roundabouts also reduce the speed and conflict points of traffic, which lowers the risk of injuries and fatalities. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), roundabouts can reduce injury crashes by 75% and fatal crashes by 90% compared to conventional intersections.

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Hazem Nowwara MBA, PMP?, CSM?, SA?,PE

Transportation Chief specialist @ Roads and Transport Authority | MBA in Project Management
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Roundabouts, when perfectly designed and implemented, offer multiple advantages in intersection control. They effectively reduce vehicle speed, ensuring adherence to priority rules. Moreover, pedestrian movement becomes safer and more controlled, aligning with desired paths.

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Ognjen Todorovi?

head of department of urban mobility at City of Belgrade - Secretariat of Transport
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The reduced speeds within roundabouts,compared to conventional 4-way intersections, play a pivotal role in minimizing the severity of accidents.This is significant as vehicles approach conflict points with pedestrians at considerably lower speeds, enhancing overall safety.The design of roundabouts inherently promotes a slower pace, creating an environment where potential collisions are less severe. This reduced speed not only mitigates the impact on vehicular occupants but also ensures a safer interaction with pedestrians, aligning with the broader goal of fostering secure and efficient traffic .Lower speeds within roundabouts contributes to reducing the risk and severity of accidents,particularly at points of intersection with pedestrians.

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3 Other benefits

Roundabouts can also provide other benefits for traffic efficiency, environmental quality, and aesthetic appeal. Roundabouts can increase traffic capacity and reduce delays and queues, especially during peak hours, by eliminating the need for traffic signals and stop signs. Roundabouts can also reduce fuel consumption and emissions, by minimizing idling, accelerating, and braking. Roundabouts can also enhance the appearance and identity of an area, by creating opportunities for landscaping, art, or signage in the central island and surrounding spaces.

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4 Challenges and best practices

Roundabouts are an effective and innovative solution for intersection safety and performance, but they require more space, cost, and maintenance than some other intersection types. Additionally, they may pose difficulties for some road users, such as large vehicles, emergency vehicles, visually impaired pedestrians, or inexperienced drivers. Thus, careful planning and design is necessary to suit the specific context and needs of each location. Feasibility studies should be conducted to compare roundabouts with other alternatives based on safety, operational, and economic criteria. Design guidelines and standards from reputable sources should be followed when implementing roundabouts. Adequate signage, pavement markings, lighting, and landscaping should be provided to guide drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Furthermore, educating and engaging the public and stakeholders about the benefits and use of roundabouts is essential. With this knowledge in hand, you can make informed decisions and support the adoption of roundabouts in your community.

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Sai Sesidhar
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Adding to it one more challenge in round about is the shorer capacity to hold queue length in rotary often leads to rotary lock during peak hours especially when the traffic tends to increase and goes near/beyond the design capacity. Clearing a rotary lock is a challenging and time taking process which results in increased traffic delay for the users.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Sultan Majeed

Transportation Engineering | Master Planning | Traffic Engineering | Public Mobility | Engineering Design | Project Management
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Roundabouts play an essential role in controlling the drivers' behavior and prioritizing driving maneuvers allowing safe moves. Also, roundabouts can minimize some of the asphalt pavement distortion such as; shoving and rutting and this enhances road safety.

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Ognjen Todorovi?

head of department of urban mobility at City of Belgrade - Secretariat of Transport
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In Belgrade, pedestrians are not particularly fond of roundabouts due to longer crossing paths, especially at larger intersections. The extended pathways pose a challenge, diminishing the appeal of these intersections for pedestrians. This perception highlights the need for adjustments and enhancements in design to ensure greater comfort and safety for pedestrians navigating roundabouts in our city.

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How can roundabouts improve intersection safety?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Design and operation

2 Safety benefits

3 Other benefits

4 Challenges and best practices

5 Here’s what else to consider

Transportation Planning

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How can roundabouts improve intersection safety?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Design and operation

2 Safety benefits

3 Other benefits

4 Challenges and best practices

5 Here’s what else to consider

Transportation Planning

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